Rose Bowl 2012: 4 Players Who Likely Are Going Pro

Rose Bowl 2012: 4 Players Who Likely Are Going Pro

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Leaving college early for the NFL draft is one of the most difficult decisions a player has to make. You have to make sure you're ready for the NFL, but if you stay there is always a risk for hurting your stock and possibly your body.

The BCS Rose Bowl is one of the bowl games that features the most NFL potential. It pits the Oregon Ducks against Wisconsin Badgers, and there are players on both sides of the ball that will eventually be playing on Sundays. The question is, will they stay or will they go?

Here are the predictions for the players that are still questioning the toughest decision of their life.

Montee Ball

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Verdict: Going

Montee Ball really improved his draft stock by rushing for over 1,700 yards and scoring 32 touchdowns. There's really nothing else he can do at Wisconsin, especially with Russell Wilson and Nick Toon graduating this year as well.

Ball is very quick and is great at finding and hitting the holes. He is an explosive runner, extremely strong and is a very good pass blocker. The best thing about Ball is that he always keeps his legs moving and fights for extra yards after contact.

He'll likely leave for the NFL and will be a late first-round or early second-round pick.

LaMichael James

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Verdict: Going

We already know LaMichael James will enter the NFL draft as he made his announcement a couple weeks ago.

While many may not agree with his decision, it really doesn't matter when he enters the draft. The main concern many have with him is his small frame at 5'9", 195 pounds. It doesn't matter how long he stays in college, he will likely not get much bigger.

Although he is small, he doesn't shy away from contact and is fantastic in open space. He may not be an every down back, but he could be a great change of pace player and contribute on special teams.

James is a Top 10 back in this year's class and will likely be a second- or third-round pick.

Cliff Harris

While many cornerbacks are ahead of him on most draft boards, Harris could move up with many of them staying in school. He could also impress at the combine to move up a bit as well.

Harris is an absolute ball hawk that has great instincts. Although he may not be a great tackler, he has great hands and is a playmaker in the secondary. He has had several off-the-field issues that will also affect his draft stock.

But overall, Harris is a solid player with a ton of potential. He could be a steal for whichever team drafts him in April.

Peter Konz

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Verdict: Going

Peter Konz is the top-rated center in the country and will likely be a late first-round pick. He's put his paperwork in already to see where he will likely end up.

Konz is huge at 6'4", 315 pounds, which is really an elite size for a center. He moves very well for a man his size and is an above average blocker when he's on the run.

Konz is one of those elite offensive lineman that will provide a lot of solid years for some lucky NFL team.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or Randy.Chambers7@yahoo.com